The Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC West), Rear Admiral MG Oamen, chaired the first quarter Tripartite Meeting between the Nigerian Navy (NN), the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF), and the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) at the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command, Apapa, Lagos.
According to the official Facebook page of the NN, in his opening remarks, on Thursday 6 March 2025 in Lagos, the FOC West emphasised that the purpose of the quarterly meeting was to foster collaboration among the NN, FDF, and NITOA to ensure the security and safety of fishing and trawling activities in Nigerian waters.
He noted that this collaboration is essential for the Federal Government to achieve its development goals outlined in the blue economy policy.
During the meeting, several important topics were discussed including the training of NN personnel by the FDF on the Sea Fishery Act, to improve fishery patrols and inspection of fishing trawlers.
Other issues discussed were; bunkering procedures and the input of fishing trawlers in support of NN Maritime Security Operations (MSO).
Participants acknowledged NN’s efforts regarding the timely promulgation of a “Challenge and Response Code” for fishing vessels, as well as the prompt processing and release of arrested fishing vessels to relevant authorities. Finally it was noted that the NN had significantly reduced Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in Nigeria’s waters.
In his closing remarks, the FOC West, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla assured participants that the NN would take necessary measures to secure Nigeria’s maritime environment and create a conducive atmosphere for safe fishing operations in line with the Federal Government’s blue economy initiatives.
